Anna Wianko - Chasman
I was introduced to the natural world as a baby, as my parents were both avid outdoors people and activists for the environment. I often took pencils and paper into the back country when we camped or stayed in our cabin in the High Sierras. A deep love of art, nature and animals became rooted in me simultaneously, and these dual passions have inspired and guided me my whole life. I have had horses and other animals most of my life.
I found that both animals and art are wonderful companions, which enabled me to express myself in ways I otherwise could not. When I lost my daughter to cancer, art helped give me strength and the courage to heal.
Witnessing disturbing news about our world in crisis, art once again has given me an outlet to express compassion, fear and grief. As an artist, I feel a responsibility to speak truth about issues about which I care deeply, because art is often more universally accessible than many other forms of communication.
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However, I need, as many of us do, to balance the difficult messages with humor and play. Mixed media has provided me the best opportunity to explore a wide range of expression. I frequently work in clay, painting, mixed media, natural and found objects, to create unusual and expressive sculptures and assemblages.
As an artist and an art therapist, I am continually grateful for the universal power and magic of art as metaphor, and as a vehicle for expression and communication, from deep reverence and awe, to humor and whimsy. Art has the ability to express feelings that are otherwise often difficult to access, and this process allows us to move toward acceptance and healing.
I have been exhibiting my work in art galleries for many decades. Currently I show at Attic Gallery in Camas, Aurora Gallery in Vancouver,
Guardino Gallery in Portland, and Riversea gallery in Astoria. I teach out of my studio on the Washougal River in Washougal, Washington
